Despite government efforts to protect sensitive data, the number of security breaches is increasing. A big part of the problem is that government are being undermined by federal employees and contractors themselves.
In fact, at least half of reported cybersecurity breaches are caused by staff, according to the Associated Press , as they fall victim to the most common cyberattacks, such as opening phishing emails, browsing malware-laden websites, and being tricked into revealing information.
The actions of staff members undermine the $10 billion-a-year initiative to prevent leaks. Some internet users act unknowingly, but there are others who knowingly leak sensitive data, as in the case of Edward Snowden.
Cybersecurity concern in today's society, but the federal government is not required to disclose data breaches. To shed some light on the issue, The Associated Press filed dozens of Freedom of Information Act requests as part of a broader investigation into the hacking.
The number of incidents more than doubled between 2009 and 2013, and the main culprits are employees. According to the annual White House review, the breakdown is as follows: about 21% of federal violations were charged to civil servants who violated their policies, 16% involved loss or theft of equipment, 12% involved mishandling of printed information, at least 8% executed or installed malware, and 6% were deceived into revealing personal information.
Russia, Iran and China have been suspected of some attacks. The penalties imposed on hackers are considered low.
